Focus on Nature’s Fresh Perspectives photography exhibit brought together students, families, teachers, local leaders, and the wider community to celebrate the amazing work of young photographers across Guelph. The exhibit showcased 60 “Best of the Best” photos taken by students in workshops and camps. These were displayed over two installments, with 30 photographs displayed at the Guelph Public Library East Side Branch in September 2025 and another 30 in January 2026. Two public receptions welcomed around 40 people each, bringing students and families together to celebrate their work, along with special visits from the Mayor of Guelph, Cameron Guthrie, and the MP of Guelph, Domonique O’Rourke. The exhibit was a complete success, with positive feedback from the public and school communities, and students taking pride as their artwork was later displayed in schools or brought home to keep.
Funding from a Musagetes Grant 2025 supported the delivery of this free youth focused exhibit, supporting Focus on Nature to display student photography in a highly visible community space. Around 60 youth and their families were able to enjoy this meaningful public platform to celebrate their creativity and build confidence. The benefits extended far beyond the participants, as up to 134,384 visitors turned gallery patrons were recorded in the library in just those two months! Audiences from all walks of life were invited to see the natural world through the eyes of children and youth, sparking a greater appreciation for the local natural environment and encouraging a reconnection to nature.
The exhibit made it possible for these images to move beyond a digital space and become something phyiscal that could inspire the community. The glowing responses from participants and the public has shown just how meaningful this experience can be. Focus on Nature now plans to continue offering the exhibit each year to showcase new student work and keep building that connection between creativity and nature!
Focus on Nature is a community based non-profit organization dedicated to connecting children with the natural world through photography and outdoor learning experiences. Through its programs, the organization encourages youth to explore local environments, develop creative skills, and understand the importance of protecting natural spaces. By providing opportunities to publicly display their work, Focus on Nature not only highlights the artistic abilities of young people but also demonstrates the power of their perspective in strengthening the connection between community and environment.
